AISI Applauds Senate Passage of Water Resources Bill Critical for U.S. Steel Industry

WRDA 2024 Receives Strong Senate Approval, Strengthening U.S. Steel Infrastructure
The U.S. Senate has passed the final version of the Thomas R. Carper Water Resources Development Act of 2024 (WRDA 2024) with overwhelming bipartisan support, securing a 97-1 vote. The bill represents a significant victory for the steel industry, authorizing critical investments in U.S. water infrastructure. These include projects to improve ports, inland waterways, locks, and dams across the country—key components for the efficient transport of raw materials and finished steel products. The American Iron and Steel Institute (AISI), which advocates for the U.S. steel industry, welcomed the bill’s passage, recognizing its importance for maintaining and improving the nation’s marine transportation systems.

AISI President and CEO Kevin Dempsey praised the bill, noting that these investments are essential for the competitiveness of the American steel sector. Dempsey pointed out that the bill includes provisions for funding 21 new water projects, which are crucial for bolstering the infrastructure that supports steel manufacturing. The modernization and expansion of these waterways will improve the efficiency and reliability of steel supply chains, facilitating the movement of raw materials to production plants and delivering finished products to markets.

Infrastructure Upgrades and Cost-Share Formula to Benefit Steel Industry
A key provision of WRDA 2024 is the updated project cost-share formula, which aims to streamline the construction and maintenance of inland navigation projects. This update will ensure the timely development of infrastructure critical to the steel industry. Dempsey emphasized that these improvements would not only support steel manufacturers but also contribute to job creation and economic growth across the country. By reducing transportation bottlenecks and increasing the capacity of the nation’s waterways, the bill promises to enhance the U.S. steel industry’s ability to compete globally.

AISI’s Active Lobbying Efforts in Support of WRDA 2024
The AISI has been actively lobbying for the passage of WRDA 2024, recognizing the importance of water infrastructure investments for the steel industry’s future. Last week, AISI sent a letter to members of the U.S. House of Representatives urging support for the bill, and this week, the institute reached out to Senate leadership to ensure its approval. With the bill now headed to the president for signing, Dempsey expressed confidence that WRDA 2024 will provide a stable foundation for the U.S. marine transportation system, ensuring continued economic growth and infrastructure resilience.